It’s been a while since my first installment of the Clow Sorcery ‘Magic with Me’ series. It took a while, since I was preoccupied with graduate school. But, I did succeed in capturing ‘The Song.’ That means it’s time to discuss my current quest: The Maze. 

The Maze

Oh boy. Sometimes the quests I have received from the Clow Cards have been easy—such as with The Lock. In the case of The Song, the quest was at least well-defined and easy to understand. But, The Maze? Well…it’s literally…a maze. Usually, I make use of Brave’s Guidance for Clow Questing spread. Brave’s blog is available here: https://student-of-clow.tumblr.com/ 

And I have put the graphic of that spread below. 

Card 1: How you will Start your Quest — Madame Rufflebonnet (reversed)
First, I believe it is very important to state that the image is a direct reference to the Pied Piper Duck Show — which is a long standing Easter tradition in Sydney, Australia. I also just love ducks in little outfits. Is it a bit much? No, it’s a lot much. But, it isn’t hurting anyone, and I’d argue it adds just a little whimsey to a really messed up world. So maybe it isn’t just alright to indulge in some nonsense–but you should indulge in some nonsense. You know, dress up some ducks in very fancy clothes.

Card 2: How to initiate your plan — Rhubarb Tony
This card features a man sitting on a chair, with high white socks, dad sandals, as well as a bathrobe and and very tiny hat. He holds a leaf of Rhubarb in his hand, and has a pterodactyl flying over him. When I look at this guy, I imagine that he is now someone’s super old uncle or he is a family friend. Back when he was a young man, he was into so much illegal shit it would make your head spin. Now he grows rhubarb and does other granddaddy activities, despite his very violent and wild past. He doesn’t need to go outside to seek trouble anymore. At the same time, he still knows a host of skills to get around things that trouble him–maybe less than legal skills.

Rhubarb Tony is at a point in his life where he’s left behind the rise and grindset. He sleeps in and watches his stories, and has maybe got a little larger around the middle due to his favorite food. Rhubarb Tony is taking it easy, and doing what he wants to do, and doesn’t care what people think. No need to seek out trouble. Trouble will find you. And it won’t be anything you haven’t seen before.

Card 3: The lesson of this test — Aunt Brenda
Aunt Brenda is wild. She’s got a snack hanging off her titty, and that could either just be her new boyfriend or something she found while backpacking across a desert. Unlike a parent, Brenda is firmly on the Aunty Life for the rest of her days–because it’s easier to just give the kids back at the end of the day. Yes, that kid she is wildly swinging around. And you know what, it’s fine. Brenda doesn’t coddle. She will let kids fuck around and find out, because that’s hella educational. And she will also let kids do stuff that’s on the dangerous side, because she doesn’t coddle. It’ll be fine.

I think the big lesson Aunt Brenda has for life, and for this reading, is that you don’t have to be careful. It’ll be fine. You may fuck around and find out, and it’s going to turn out fine because it’s educational–isn’t it?

Card 4: How to capture the Clow Card — A Raptor Riding a Dolphin in Space (reversed)

Another card that feels like self-indulgence. This card very much reminds me of Jo Jo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run. Specifically, it reminds me of having to explain this arc to someone. Yes, this fanart shows Jesus (as a cowboy) riding a raptor and the president is there. Yes, that is a very accurate depiction of Steel Ball Run. It might not make a ton of sense when explained, but that’s fucking ok. The target audience is reached. Just do what you want to do.

So, I did a confirmation reading to check the accuracy of this reading–and I was off. I consulted a few other magicians, and the conclusion is that The Maze wants me to play with them. I can definitely see that through-line in the cards after getting that idea. Definitely something to reflect on as I move forward. Maybe it’ll all make sense in retrospect.